1967 Parliamentary By-election

The 1967 parliamentary by-elections marked the culmination of a series of political walkouts and boycotts by Barisan Sosialis, significantly reshaping Singapore’s parliamentary landscape. This election was characterized by further resignations from Barisan lawmakers and minimal opposition participation, consolidating the dominance of the People’s Action Party (PAP).

Background

The by-elections were triggered by the resignations of five Barisan Sosialis Members of Parliament on 5 December 1966:

1. Loh Miaw Gong: Resigned while in detention.
2. Koo Young
3. Ong Lian Teng
4. Poh Ber Liak
5. Tan Cheng Tong

These resignations left Barisan with only two Members of Parliament:

• Chan Sun Wing (Nee Soon)
• Wong Soon Fong (Toa Payoh)

Both Chan and Wong had previously been prominent figures within the PAP, heading the People’s Association and the Works Brigade, respectively. However, they were later implicated in pro-communist activities and fled Singapore in 1962 to evade detention. Despite their prolonged absence, their seats remained occupied.

By-Elections

As opposition parties continued their boycott of parliamentary participation, most constituencies experienced uncontested walkovers. Only one constituency saw a contest, where the PAP candidate faced two independent candidates. The ruling party emerged victorious, further solidifying its hold on Parliament.

Election Details

• Writ of Election Issued: 17 February 1967 (Friday)
• Nomination Day: 24 February 1967 (Friday)
• Polling Day: 7 March 1967 (Monday)
• Swearing-In Ceremony: 14 March 1967 (Tuesday)
• Electorate: 70,847
• Walkover Voters: 56,724 (80.1%)
• Eligible Voters: 14,123 (19.9%)
• Voter Turnout: 11,624 (82.3%)
• Election Deposit: $500

Results

PAP won decisively, with most seats uncontested due to the opposition’s boycott. The lone contested constituency saw the PAP candidate defeating two independent opponents, leaving the ruling party as the only active participants in Parliament.

Significance

The 1967 by-elections were significant for several reasons:

1. End of Opposition Representation: Barisan Sosialis’ coordinated resignations and boycott marked the near-complete withdrawal of opposition voices from Parliament.
2. PAP’s Dominance: The election results further entrenched the PAP’s position as the sole governing party, consolidating its political hegemony.
3. Impact of Absentee MPs: The prolonged absence of Chan Sun Wing and Wong Soon Fong, who fled Singapore in 1962, highlighted the challenges of maintaining effective opposition representation under the political climate of the time.

Legacy

The 1967 by-elections marked the final phase of Barisan Sosialis’ parliamentary participation, leaving the PAP as the only active political force in Singapore’s legislature. This period of political consolidation laid the groundwork for the PAP’s long-term governance and stability in Singapore.